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Kate in Red for YoungMinds in London

Thursday, August 25, 2016

This morning, William and Kate were out and about again on a visit to YoungMinds in London. The event was embargoed, likely because of the sensitive nature of the charity's work. YoungMinds runs a helpline for young people suffering from mental health issues. The organization is one of the charities that has partnered with William, Kate, and Harry's Heads Together initiative.

Taking a peek at today's style, Kate certainly hit a home run. Red is one of Kate's colors; it always pops with her tan and dark hair. I particularly love the length on the dress today. The Duchess has been sporting the midi length for a while now, which is both elegant and flattering, but I do like to see her in this shorter style still. It's young and flirty, the perfect vibe for a visit of this kind.

This is LK Bennett's Eugenia dress in red. Notice the beautiful tailoring along the shoulders, waist, and skirt. The dress has sold out, but retailed for £130.

Kate's hair tracked the style of the dress and she accessorized with suede heels, her Signature 105 in Praline, I believe, her Nina clutch, and her Lauren leaf earrings from Kiki McDonough.

According to released reports, William and Kate watched a training session and even participated in phone calls. Apparently, William asked for "an easy one" alluding to his job which already demands significant emotional expenditure as he deals with crises, the injured, and distressed families.

vis Kensington Palace Twitter

It is unclear whether any photographers were invited. I saw a discussion online that photographers were tipped off and scrambled over to get images of the couple. Embargoes are odd things these days. It reduces, but rarely eliminates coverage.

This was such a fun surprise to start the morning. Kate looked particularly great today, in my mind even better than yesterday. This event bodes well for a busy fall as we move toward their September tour. And, hey! William's trousers have the right break today. ;)

93 comments:

What a surprise! Thank-you, Jane. Did you get any sleep At All?Love that dress.It looks like RD is wearing one of Kate's maternity dresses. I don't think it was actuallymade as a maternity dress, though.

I love to be surprised like this! Great engagement that fits right into their initiative.

I love this dress too. Loving the length, color and slightly retro cut. It is a little plain but I'm not sure how else I would have wished it accessorized. So hard to match reds and black is heavy for the summer. Maybe a goldtone chain link belt to go with the vintage feel.

Rebecca's dress does look like the Madderson, anon 1 but I don't think it is. The fabric band at the hem doesn't look wide enough plus I think she would be sweltering in it in August. Does resemble Kate's dress quite a bit though.

I appreciate your input, Faith. I could imagine a scenario in which Rebecca borrowedone of Kate's outfits at the last minute but it seems highly unlikely. Are there anymore complete photos of RD in this dress?Gold chainlink belt sounds good. With a sort of tie effect with loose end hanging down or as a buckled type belt? I imagine Charlotte would enjoy it, too. ha!

Likely would result in a feeding frenzy, Faith.Some of the royal reporters would not recognise her clothes. Apparently, according tothat blogger interview, some of them rely on bloggers to ID her outfits. One referred to the Lasa as the "Lara." Unless there is a Lara version, in which case my face would now be beet red.I doubt Kate wears this dress around the house so Charlotte probably only gets abrief bye-bye view.

Get ready to turn beet red, anon :) A newer version of the Lasa is called Lara. Actually, I was really impressed that reporters use the bloggers as a source but it makes sense. The Kate blogs do get all that information out fast with amazing accuracy.

Anon 12:46, I only published this so I could come here and say that you need to pause and take a breath. What's wrong with ladies noticing Kate's pretty and fashionable assistant? She is at all the public engagements we follow and is--whether you like it or not--something of a public figure. She will be in history books because of her proximity to Kate. It's cool, and it's fun. That's what this blog is for....fun. :)

I wrote my opinion. You do not see any of the other royal assistants in the lime light like Ms. Deacon. I love your blog and read it all the time and understand it is a Kate blog. But just feel Ms. Deacon gets to much attention for an assistant. I also did not mean any disrespect to you as Barr and this wonderful blog

In discussing RD's role in history I have three words: Anne Beckwith-Smith. She was chosen by Diana as one of her Ladies-in-waiting right after her marriage in 1981 and served with her the longest, eventually becoming her assistant private secretary. She wasn't gorgeous or a fashion icon but she was a steady presence in Diana's life and, even after all these years, I still remember what she looked like and her name. She hasn't written any tell all books or even granted interviews (obviously not "out for attention") but her role in history is firm. She was made a Lieutenant of the Royal Victorian Order for her loyal service. When we follow members of a royal family it only makes sense to care about the people who matter to them as well. I also don't notice anyone complaining when we catch glimpses of Mr. Security! ;-)

anon 2:22- I'll just jump in here, since I think you have sincerely tried to explain and make amends (I realise it is probably not my call to make)One of the qualities I most admire about Kate is her gift of being able to draw people in and relate to them. So many times it seems that is lacking in other royals.It is notsurprising that she seems to have drawn Rebecca into her inner circle- partly out ofthe nature of the role of a personal assistant, but also because she and William musttrust her. I've actually thought and perhaps said remarks similar to yours but I amcoming to the conclusion that , if the Cambridges approve of her rather obvious presence-after many years of working closely with her- who am I to judge how muchattention she should receive.

For a long while, I think after Malta and some rather intrusive-appearingbehavior before that-RD's darting ahead or around Kate as she entered a room; walking alongsideof Kate, carrying on what looked like a distracting conversation- for whatever reason, Rebecca was noticeably absent from publicity photos. It is possible thatearly on Kate was just learning how to work with assistants and Rebecca being anapparently Lets Get This Done sort of person-it may be that it was a matter ofone personality dominating the other. Whatever the dynamic, they seemed to haveended up with a very close, although professional relationship.Rebecca has served her time in the shadows. Time to give her her due.

We may not see the other assistants because many do not know who they are. We know Rebecca Deacon because we follow Kate.This same debate cropped up at Wimbledon and it was pointed out that Sophie Wessex assistant was sitting right beside her in the front row seats. Not too many were aware of the identity of her assistant. Same with Miguel Head, who is always near William.

I don't understand the big deal about admiring a woman's fashion if you happen to like what she is wearing regardless of who she is and whether or not she is the person you are "supposed" to be admiring.

Lovely dress and nice surprise to see them out again.I suspect they do many visits that don't hit the headlines.One rather amusing point---note all the security men are dressed in similar clothes to William.

I noticed that too, Jean. I thought maybe security concerns, but I think they usually try to blend in.What would really be amusing for me is RPOs outfitted in morning dress,complete with top hat, at Ascot. One would then speculate what is being hidden under the hat. ha!

Jane (and anyone else), I have a question. How do you think Kate plans out her wardrobe for day-to-day events in the UK? I'm defining those as events such as this one, which aren't either major evening functions, services at St Paul's and Westminster, greeting foreign dignitaries etc.

Do you think she works out several outfits for different weathers and then picks the most weather-appropriate on the day? Do you think she plans out long in advance or do you think because she has a stock of dresses, shoes and bags that work together, she's able to make a judgement very close to the engagement?

I suspect she will have to make a final selection, when she checks the weather in the morning. I think that is what most of us do when we can have high temperatures one day and drizzly cold the next. Obviously London still had sun this morning, but here in Lancashire we have the drizzle. Seeing Catherine in her lovely red dress, cheered up the day.

I'm guessing she probably has a few choices set aside for each event and then chooses the night before or that morning which one she'll wear. On tour I suspect it's completely different. She probably has exact outfits, accessories and all, planned well in advance for each appearance. It does seem as if she is recycling from the Australia/NZ tour for this year's local events.

Funny you should mention William's pants because it's one of the first things I noticed! Much better! Love this dress on Kate. She always looks great in red and I'll be we see this again in Canada with a fun hat. She sure loves those earrings. I think they are her go to earrings for when she wants to having something slightly more understated. I don't mind the embargo on a visit like this. They are working with people in possible crisis who don't need the media in their faces. The coming and going photos (because of the tip off) and the photos released by KP are fine with me.

Robin, I think it very possible this type of charity visit happens fairly often. As you say, those who get up enough courage to ask for help don't need a barrage of clicking shutters and flashing lights. The mental health focus is obviously a personal commitment for William and Catherine. There may be times they want to go- as much as possible- just as themselves with the primary goal one on one contact not publicity. It really doesn't matter to me who tipped the few photographers off; what matters is the usual frenzy was avoided. The KP twitter coverage, spread by various outlets, would be enough to draw attention to the aim of the organisation.

I agree, anon 1. I think it's very admirable that W,K,&H are really educating themselves in this cause that has become so important to them. I have also thought for awhile that William probably sees horrible things as an air ambulance pilot but it was interesting to get the insight from him and how he carries it with him.

What a lovely surprise! And thank you for getting the post up so quickly, I hope you got some sleep? Has it been a busy summer for you? Just to let you know, you were missed and I truly hope everything goes fine at law school.

Kate looked phantastic today, I prefer the shorter hemline. Red is a gorgeous colour on her, so vibrant! I just wish we would see the Sledge pumps again, I am not so fond of these suede pointy toe ones...

It is great that they worked with heads together (sorta) again! Love their joint engagements and Kate's half up hairstyles are so pretty.And I look forward to seeing many more gorgeous L.K.Bennett clothes on Kate :)

I have always been such a big fan of Kate but I just keep getting more and more impressed with the both of them. They are both opening up so much, bringing the spotlight to these charities, and providing an open ear to people who need it. Bravo! I just really like how interested they are to hear stories and feelings. I think she hit this out of the ballpark, sartorially speaking. The red is fab-u-lous on her and her hair is gorgeous.

Loved the dress and seeing these two together. Didn't like the shoes today or at Luton. I like Wils French pants, and he looked fine today too. The Daily Mail had a lot to say about them manning the phones - very sweet thoughts from William.

Oh Jane I was so excited to see Will and Kate together again to day. They are working hard on something they truly believe in. And a topic that many people do not take serious. I have a grand child that has a mental illness. And I understand how important it is to get them help as soon as possible. Thank you for your hard work on this great blog.

I watched the video that KP shared today about this visit and it really struck a chord with me. My background has been in mental health for years. I spent most of my work years dealing with the chronically mentally ill. The ones who are disenfranchised. No resources. No family help. I have been shot at...beat up and have many many stories. The engagement today is so so important because so many families just burn out. I can only speak for the problems with mental health care in the US but I suspect they are quite similar in the UK. Families need support. They need that ear to hear them. It can make all the difference in the here and now and down the road in the future. I love that W&K are dedicates to this issue.

I was also struck as I heard them both speak that they have both experienced issues that can cause great anguish. Kate was bullied enough to change schools. She had a good loving family but many do not. I think she has seen that in her life. William of course... we all know the heartbreak. I think that he and Harry cover well and are stoic for the most part. But I really think that they have suffered so much more than we can or want to imagine. They also have to know that Diana was a fragile and at times troubled person. I adored her but I saw and acknowledge that she was not perfect. She knew that too. I often think if only she had help when her parents split up and the ensuing bitter conflict that went on for yrs and as children she and her brother witnessed this. They got no help. I think that William and Harry have wondered about that and thought if only....I think the interest in this arena is so deep and crosses in and out of their lifes in so many ways. Kate of course knows their pain. She loves William and Harry too. So, it all got me a little misty today with my mind rush8ng back to the Diana years....the inbtw years... my years ..and how they are doing something that is very brave and much needed.

Sorry ...

She looked lovely as usual. The dress is a fav and she is always gorgeous in red. William looked spiffy too!

Diane, I'm so sorry to hear about your experiences. So many times a listening ear is all that's needed to encourage someone to seek out the help they need or to keep going. Removing the stigma of mental health is such an important thing. They have chosen well where to place their charitable focus.

I agree with you about how deep the cuts to William and Harry must have been. They saw their mother crumble under an immense amount of pressure with no support system. Then followed her horrific and sudden death. They were so young and, as admirable as it was that they were so strong when visiting KP to see all of the flowers, I can't help but think that the whole "stiff upper lip" approach must have been internally very painful. It seems as if they have both come together recently and decided that it's OK and they will talk about their feelings regarding their mother and losing her. They have both said things lately that it's taken them nearly 20 years to get out.

No need to apologize. :) This WAS an important engagement and I'm glad they're bringing attention to mental health. Diana would be so proud of W/K/H.

I suspect that W&H could have used more professional help and support than what I tend to believe was the RF's "fresh air approach". Not only were they living in an environment that isn't known for being warm and fuzzy, but they must have felt very uncomfortable in bringing up their mother's name. Sad and unfortunate.

Thank goodness William has Kate and the Middleton's in his life, and fingers crossed that Harry is equally lucky....

No need for any 'being sorry' RobinfromCa. I loved my job! You do not get rich in the social services but I loved every single day and I worked with some amazing ppl. I loved my clients and their families (if they had them). I loved chasing down back alleys. It is not a career for everyone but it was for me! Now I sit in a cube doing clinical review on Medicare appeals and it is a 'yawn'. Give me my 'crazy folks' anytime of the day LOL

Diane-our career paths seem to have merged and mingled. I have stories, too. At onetime I was coordinating with schools to combat truancy. I did not hesitate to find out where the hang-out of the day was, gather up the youngsters and haul them toschool.There were a few dicey situations, too. I also later found myself in a cube, making disability evaluations.Quite a contrast.I've been in the homes of people in desperate need of help and intervention. Katemay not visit the homes but the raw need reaches out and grabs one, even in a safe environment. It can be mind-numbing, exhausting work and I admire William andCatherine for the paths they have chosen.

You ladies (Diane and anon 1) are some of our society's heroes! I've seen kids who are "on the bubble" who have parents that refuse to get help or testing because of the stigma involved. It's so sad. W, K, & H are doing such a fantastic public service.

I also like Kate's dress but agree with those who have said it is sort of plain. I am not sure if a belt (dangling or not) would work because the dress looks to be slightly short-waisted on Kate and sometimes belts don't work when that's the situation. With her hair down a necklace likely won't work either. I am also among those who have had enough of nude shoes, whether smooth leather or suede. It doesn't matter to me the actual name of the color, "nude" is nude for a woman with light skin. I get that they are supposed to lengthen the leg but I think that property is a bit over-rated. This dress is short enough that her legs will look long regardless. I would like to see either matching smooth leather red shoes with a patterned clutch or for fun, vice versa--patterned shoes that include red with a purse that matches a color in the shoes. I realize today was a serious ocassion but red is red!

Yes, royalfan, red patent leather would have been terrific! (Confession: I own two pairs of red patent leather so I'm a bit partial.) Even black patent leather would have been nice. For an accessory I would like to have seen her Cartier Trinity necklace or her gold acorn necklace. Something long to spruce up the plain neckline.

No confession needed, Robin. Lol. I'm a huge fan of patent leather shoes, especially in the summer. And I agree that the Cartier necklace would have looked great. Even larger earrings would have been a nice touch; with larger earrings, it's okay to pass on a necklace. :)

I think there is a time for bling and fashion statements and a time for simplicityand modesty. Kate seems ever mindful of her surroundings. If you watch the faces of those she visits, unless she is speaking, Kate is not the focal point. People are looking at and focused on the speaker or whatever is being demonstrated. They seemrelaxed and involved.I don't see this reaction in the faces and body language of those surrounding some other royals. To be able to create such an atmosphere is an art. I think she saw early on how she became the focus and distracted from the purpose at hand whenher outfits were showy and "fashion-forward."

Sometimes the purpose at hand is to draw attention to and highlight the royalfamily. That's the time for bling and being the center of attention.

I'm not saying this works for all. It just seems to be Kate's way . I know it is fun to make suggestions for what one would enjoy seeing her wear or wearingoneself; I just feel at some point we need to accept that this is how Catherine apparently has chosen-to interpret her role-I'm sure with William's agreement.To continually try to turn Kate into a fashion diva seems unfair and a bit insulting,in my opinion.

I so agree. She is treating her patron role as a job, about which she is serious. A professional knows she is not there to upstage the focal point which is the charity; rather, she is there to do her job and one part of that job is to dress appropriately. It is great fun to look at her clothes, styling, etc. However to expect her to present as a fashion diva and then criticize when she does not is simply not basing oneself in reality. Let's have fun with imagining what we might have worn, without being negative towards Kate for what she cose to wear.

For what it's worth Lizzie, the LK Bennet website styled the dress with a narrow black belt. The waist did not seem to sit as high on the model as Kate but it did pull the dress together nicely while braking up all that red.

Robin, I agree about the Trinity necklace. If it had been appropriate for the venue, that's all she would have needed.

I don't think we were being negative toward Kate at all. We were just speculating what else could go with that dress on this blog that has primarily been about fashion. We agree she's doing great work, she's focused on her role, etc. We also like to have fun with the fashion. Nobody (well, most of us) are not trying to turn her into a diva of any sort. I think royalfan and I (who were the apparent offenders here) are probably far more willing to defend Kate in every circumstance than are the dozens of anonymous posters hanging about who continually talk about how frumpy or old she looks or any other physical appearance criticisms about the lack of shine in her hair or her weight. Those things are insulting. Saying a necklace would look good with a dress is a comment. Let's not get the two confused.

I stand by Kate (and William) to the point of being accused of owning rose colored glasses. :)) This was nothing more than some of us engaging in pure fashion speculation. Trust me, I do appreciate where Kate is coming from and I have said so on many occasions.

Those earrings with that hair isn't doing it for me, though I love the rest of this! I would much prefer to see her hair back in a ponytail and an interesting, larger necklace to accessorize this. Those twee earrings are becoming my fashion nemesis. And imagine their price!!

Kate always looks nice in red--it's one of her best colors. I like the length of this dress. In my opinion, knee-length is more youthful than midi. I do not agree that the dress is too plain. I always think that sleek and simple is generally best. And I happen to like her shoes and accessories. But despite the fact that Kate's hair is one of her greatest assets, I have to agree with Anon 7:04 that it wasn’t well styled today. I don't know who has been doing her hair for the last couple of years, but she really needs to find a new hairdresser.

I really do like this dress. Sadly, that's all I like about this look. I usually like Kate's hair pulled back but something about this particular look is just off and makes her looks juvenile. And I shudder whenever she wears these earrings. They're just much, much too twee for my liking. On their website, LK Bennett has this dress styled with a black belt and it looks stunning. I think Kate would have looked amazing if she had worn this dress with a black belt, black shoes, bold earrings and a simple ponytail. Finally (and I apologize for this post sounding so negative) but her horrendous posture was really noticeable during this visit :( Her shoulders are so hunched over and slouched in all the pictures. It always makes me wonder if her heels are too high and if she shouldn't try some lower ones occassionally.

I don't believe that Kate has her hair styled by her hairdresser every time she steps out. I think many times she styles it herself with the help of maybe Maria or even Rebecca. The only time I think it is consistently styled is when she is on tour.

One way or the other, much of my thoughts have already been expressed, re Kate's look. I waited to comment because I couldn't quite figure out why I didn't like it. Nothing wrong with the length, colour or line of the dress, after all.... But, for me, it boils down to the accessories; can't stand those earrings--they may be relatively expensive, but they are very childish, something a spoiled rich kid might get as a 8th birthday present. Further, a dress with a round collar in a bold block colour screams for a necklace to add necessary interest. And I dislike what would appear to be blush pink shoes and clutch when paired with a red dress. Lastly, and this may be a matter of personal taste, I am definitely NOT fond of the half updo hairstyle, which reminds me of a child with a lazy or busy mother, or, in this case, a woman with a second-rate hairdresser.

All in all, I found the look depressing, I suppose because it signalled to me that Kate still hadn't moved on from the days of that utterly ridiculously juvenile yellow broderie anglaise (sp?) day dress last seen at a zoo in Australia. I dunno...she often chooses noteworthy evening gowns--her last two, the cobalt blue and the cream off-the-shoulder are excellent examples of sophisticated choices, but this...???

Fortunately, the cause she was supporting made up for her sartorial lack. To my way of thinking, this Hotline service for very worried parents ranks right up there, maybe even surpasses, her affiliation with EACH. (Don't get me wrong, EACH is a wonderful cause, but there are many,many more parents out there who need a helpful listener a phone-call away, and who are at their wits end, than there are, thank god, families who need end-of-life services for their kids.--I reread that last sentence because I thought it sounded cruel and it is cruel but, until our governments in the UK, US, Canada and elsewhere, pick up the tab, making charities obsolete, this is the choice we givers are stuck with: where does our buck make the greatest difference?

So much for philosophy. Personally, I give to causes which have touched my life or the lives of loved ones and friends, but maybe I need to do a rethink.

JC, I don't say this often because my interest in Kate goes beyond fashion and appearance, but I must agree with you on this hairstyle. I am not a fan. A short style that frames her face would be a softer and more sophisticated look. IMO. And before I am accused of believing that a 30+ year old woman must cut her hair, this is not what I am suggesting. It is about personal choice, obviously, but there is such a thing as considering what may be more flattering on you, and when. If you imagine a fresh, sophisticated hairstyle with this dress, perhaps it wouldn't *need* anything... Just my opinion.

Ditto, royalfan, re hairstyles. BUT, you do realize that many young fans of Kate love her long tresses and might well decide to lynch those who disagree? Then too, there is the question of cost: lets face it, Kate can go longer without a quality cut when her hair is long, and again, lets face it, nobody is rushing to give Kate the wherewithal she would need to maintain a sophisticated, shorter haircut.

But JC, People mag has an an entire article on how we can all have Kate's "elegant hairstyle" (and here I thought it was just a matter of pinning each side back :)

You make an interesting point about choosing charities. Except for contributions to disaster relief efforts, like you I tend to make contributions to those charities that deal with things my family and friends have faced personally.

Good hearing from you, JC.I completely disagree with your fashion analysis and completely agree with your charity observations.I think the whole point of the LKB style is simplicity and line, with the highlighted seams and draping interest. A belt or necklace would have drawn away from that purpose. As would a bolder, fancier purse or shoes.At any rate-I doubt the parents on the other end of the line were asking,"What are you wearing?" Ha! (a little gallows-type humor there. I apologise)

Well, we all are entitled to our POV on fashion, anon 1. But do you really like those small and silly earrings?! Just curious.

Of course the parents wouldn't object to what Kate wore when they couldn't see her, or were even aware that she was listening to their call--being facetious here. Maybe I wasn't clear, but I, too, gave Kate. a pass given the cause. And if she could significantly help discover a way to cure schizophrenia, she could wear sackcloth and ashes forever for all I care. :))

JC- The point for me isn't whether or not I like the earrings (I kinda do-I think they are leaves, not hearts; if you've ever seen a Redbud tree, you'll know what I mean) The point, as I see it, is that She likes them. Shemay be comforted in stressful situations by familiar items or gifts from a loved one.It is who she is. We say, "That's Maxima," when she wears something we don't understand or approve of. We accept that she is expressing herself in some way.

I think a problem in accepting Kate as the Kate that has evolved- (or perhaps has always been somewhere under the surface) does not match the Kate early on whofollowed popular fashion. As far as I know, Maxima has aways worn gigantic hats and garish colors. I think she looks great. It wouldn't work for some perhaps but it works for Maxima.JC, were you saying Kate must first Earn her right to be Kate? ha!

About schizophrenia-not a cure yet, but strides are being made in determining thecause. I think there is a genetic or metabolic component. It's been several years since I read the study. But there definitely is hope.

Which reminds me. While watching a feature about rare children's metabolic disorderson a Sunday news program, I saw a flash of an image of "Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge," as it was reported. It was in the context of a story about a child whose parents were trying to help him live a lifetime in months. Trips to fun, interestingplaces, meeting sports idols... Apparently, Kate wassomeone he wanted to meet and he got a big hug.

They do certainly have similar tastes. Although I think Kate wears her clothes better.

I've been looking at Kate's hair because everyone (well, a lot of people) seem to be disenchanted with it of late. IMHO I think it's because she's highlighting quite a lot. When her hair was that beautiful chestnut brown it was so shiny and luxurious. Highlighting can dry out your hair and especially when you're in the brunette range because the chemicals to remove color from hair are very damaging. Take it from this brunette - you never want anything that harsh on your dark hair. It's just my guess but when I look at pictures from several years back her hair is darker but healthier looking. I still think she can get away with wearing her longer style for several more years. Once she's 40ish she should probably adopt something similar to her mother's style.

I agree too but often women who are younger than 40ish are told they will look younger with lighter hair. And any gray will be less evident at the roots and we know Kate has a fair amt of gray. Some hairdressers recommend at this point the color hair the woman had as a child. Kate hasn't gone that far...even if that course had been recommended to her she'd have had such a dramatic change from Day 1 to Day 2. But I wonder if the point of the highlights is to give a lighter look overall and hide gray better. I liked her hair darker but I also think some pics taken when she was a university student suggest at that point she was dyeing her hair a darker shade than was natural.

Robin, don't ask me why because I couldn't tell you but I have always thought of you as a blonde :-)

Now, did anyone think Kate's hair looked darker during the visit to Luton? To me it looked as if she went back to the darker color she sported early in her marriage. However, at this engagement it appeared a lighter shade to me.

I know I'm the resident voice for not cutting hair (or lowering hemlines) after a certain age but I have to say I've been breaking all the rules, and feel and look(I think) younger for it. At 40, I grew my hair past my shoukders after having it short for most of my adult life. I also went back to my childhood dark brunette color although my stylist was screaming that I should be going lighter. The result? No one thinks I am my actual age. Instead of looking washed out by shorter, lighter hair, my longer darker hair brought out my eye color and a more youthful tone to my skin. So I'm going to champion Kate's longer darker hair for awhile :-)

Hair color is really tricky:) You really do need a good colorist and stylist for your hair and the truly gifted ones are few and far behind... To find someone who can color and cut for your age through all your life stages is rare. I also really think you need a separate colorist and cutter throughout life if you can afford. I can not so I go with my fabulist colorist and who is also a so so cutter, but I have to say I am about ready to ditch her as the hair cutter and just go to her for color...:) It is big cost ouch!!!

lol, Faith! Nope, I've always been a brunette. I actually have exactly the same coloring as Kate with the dark hair and green eyes. Although my hair is naturally brunette, I don't quite come by it naturally anymore - if you get my gist. ;-) I am fortunate to have a hairdresser who does not advocate the "women of a certain age should go lighter" theory. I do have to get my hair colored every three weeks but, hey, if I can do it, Kate can do it! I stopped wearing long hair after I realized that babies getting their fingers tangled in it hurt! Kate is far more tolerant than I was! But, I do still keep it just brushing my shoulders and not a close crop.

I doubt Kate changes her hair color as often as people imagine. The appearance of hair color responds to changes in lighting-flash, direct sunlight, indoors, andI think also the color of clothing. This is evident in the fact that her hairsometimes appears as a different color from photo to photo taken at the same event-I doubt Rebecca takes her aside to do a quick color alteration in the middle of an engagement. ha!Arrival and departure photos can even differ, depending upon the position ofsunlight. Camera angle could matter. Photos of the back of her head or the top, versus from the front or side. Hair products could alter the appearance. Is her hair freshly shampooed?

I have green eyes as well, Robin :-) Not too many of us around. Sadly, I'm more fair than Kate and will burn to a crisp out in the sun rather than tan up nicely.

Anon 1, I'm sure there's a slew of variables that gives Kate her chameleon like hair color. I do remember one set of engagements though when one day her hair was one shade and then the next quite different. She obviously had seen her colorist the afternoon before. I'll have to see if I can find when that was. Anyway, I always think her hair looks best dark. Don't think the more ashy tones compliment herFaith coloring.

Two of Kate's "go to" shops are having a mini-war! It appears Top Shop highjacked an Azuni design. Here is what was written on Azuni's FB page and I received an email from them saying the same thing.

"Feeling a little depressed this morning as we have found out that Topshop have shamelessly ripped off our Fairtrade Dreamcatcher Mandala Pouch, designed by us and authentically handcrafted by our Fairtrade cooperative in South America!This is not just about intellectual property rights. Our DREAMCATCHER Collection has always been part of a FAIRTRADE initiative to support local indigenous populations in South America by paying them a fair wage for their expert craftsmanship. By offering an identical (albeit far lower quality) product for just £6, Topshop is directly undermining these necessary efforts in the name of 'fashion' and profit...If you wish to be part of a fairer and more creative world Azunians PLEASE support authentic design over cheap copies, and LIKE and SHARE this post so we can stop mega brands like Topshop taking what is not theirs..."

I would like to hear Top Shop's version of the story.Still, an interesting point-consumers buy less, if necessary, but pay fair prices to support fair wages andbenefits.If only one knew for sure where the money ends up.

I tried to look on Topshop's website but if you live in the US you are automatically redirected to their US site. It wasn't on there and they didn't say anything. They seem to be conspicuously quiet given the statement by Azuni.

On the eve of the 19th anniversary of the death of our beloved Princess Diana special thoughts are being sent across the pond to William and Harry. This must be a very difficult date for each of them as it roles around every year. I think she would be very proud of who they've become, she would love Kate, and dote on those grandchildren. It's very sad that she never got to experience this time of her life but her legacy is in her two sons who reflect her compassion and carry on her work.

What a beautiful comment, Robin. It's difficult to believe that 19 years have passed since Diana's tragic death. I remember it like it was yesterday, and yet look at how "her boys" have grown into two fine young men. How very bittersweet to imagine her pride, while facing the reality of everything she has missed. I hope that William and Harry enjoy some extra cuddles with George and Charlotte...

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The Duchess of Cambridge at Kensington Palace, Feb. 17, 2016 A number of you have reached out to me via social media expressing confusi...

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Welcome to the blog! I am Jane Barr and I write From Berkshire to Buckingham. I am an American Anglophile-Francophile (Yes, they can co-exist. :)) I have been following Kate since she began dating William at St Andrews. I began the blog in my favorite Starbucks while living in Los Angeles, CA, just before William and Kate married. See my Welcome page (in the navigation bar) for more about the blog, and follow me on Twitter (@princesskate_GB) and Instagram (@fromberkshiretobuckingham) for more of my royal content.